The last moments of the ill-fated Pompeiians, frozen forever in plaster.

Erotic art covers the walls of the largest ancient pleasure palace.

The walls and streets of the ancient city are peppered with penises.

Ancient snack bar of the Roman Empire re-opened.

The huge collection of paintings of the American West is one of Denver's best-kept secrets.

Paranormal experiences in this hotel's room 217 led Stephen King to write "The Shining."

This sculpture by artist Fritz Keonig survived the 9/11 attacks and now stands as a monument to the victims.

A Pythagorean funhouse that tries, successfully, to prove that math is the coolest thing ever.

Elevated freight railway turned wildly successful urban park.

The oldest lawn bowling club in the United States.

A decommissioned Naval base now rents itself out for people who want to blow stuff up.

This giant spider sculpture made from the iconic car is one giant visual pun.

A chain of bells connect the California Missions and honor the legend of the "King’s Highway."

Location of the most powerful laser in the world, and the potential birthplace of tiny stars.

Concrete strongholds stand guard over the Golden Gate.

A massive volcanic plug is now a protected area that hosts a number of bird species.

A giant chess set, minus the psychedelic drug trip.

From the Difference Engine to the Cray-1, all under one roof.

One of the largest free-standing structures ever built, this dirigible hangar is now simply a giant skeleton.

Every year, over 25,000 monarchs overwinter in Pacific Grove.

The lighthouse central to the 1980s horror classic "The Fog" is, in fact, located in one of the foggiest areas of the Pacific Coast.

Two rocks in a perpetual kiss and one of "the most romantic spot in America."

The interior of the Overlook Hotel in "The Shining" was based on this Yosemite original.

San Francisco's oldest surviving monument and meeting place for 1906 survivors.